The Mets want a "difference maker'' in exchange for Cy Young winner R.A. Dickey, but other teams may not want to give up too much for the knuckleballer.William Perlman/The Star-Ledger

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — As the Winter Meetings began Monday, Mets general manager Sandy Alderson opened his door to dozens of officials from other clubs, several of them there to discuss R.A. Dickey, the reigning National League Cy Young Award winner.

Alderson insisted the Mets were not “promoting interest or buying billboards” to signal their intent to trade Dickey. But his availability is an open secret. As contract negotiations have slowed with Dickey, Alderson has made it known what he wants in return for his ace.

“We have to get back a difference maker,” Alderson said inside his hotel suite Monday afternoon. “It doesn’t have to be a catcher. It doesn’t have to be an outfielder. It doesn’t have to be anything. But it has to be a difference maker. Because R.A. is a difference maker.”

While Alderson maintained the team was “actively engaged” in talks with Dickey, he said he had not met with Dickey’s agent, Bo McKinnis. No meetings were scheduled. The team’s first priority appeared to be exploring the trade market. Fellow starter Jon Niese was also discussed in potential deals, but not to the same extent, Alderson said.

Top-flight young players are not easy to find. The initial interest in Dickey appears to be strong, but there persists concern among rival officials regarding Dickey’s reliance on the knuckleball. So it’s unclear if the interested teams, which are said to include Boston, Kansas City, Texas and Toronto, will pay the hefty price the Mets seek.

The Royals, for example, are considered to be very reticent to part with top outfield prospect Wil Myers, according to a league official. The executive requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the situation.

Alderson indicated no resolution could come until the free-agent market takes shape. Zack Greinke and Anibal Sanchez are top pitchers available. Once they sign, discussions on a trade with Dickey may heat up.

Inside the organization, team officials trust in Alderson’s ability to execute the proper move if necessary. “Sandy’s not going to make a deal for just anybody,” said one team official, who requested anonymity in order to speak freely about the situation. “And let’s face it. We need to get better.”

Pitching update: Former top prospect Jenrry Mejia is expected to begin 2013 as a starter in the minors, manager Terry Collins said. Fellow hard-throwing righty Jeurys Familia is more likely to appear in the big-league bullpen. Left-hander Darin Gorski will see time as a reliever.

Collins’ status: Collins said he has no qualms about entering 2013 without a contract extension in place.

“It hasn’t been brought up, and it certainly is not an issue,” Collins said. “Getting this team better is what the issue is.”